Getting closer

Figures. I haven't even been back in town for 18 hours and the Phillies were busier than ever today.

They're getting closer to having their 25-man roster set by making a handful of moves Monday at spring training.

Veteran infielder Marcus Giles, trying to rebound after not playing last year, was released by the club, according to phillies.com

I think it's a good move. Giles hit just .167 (3-for-36) with three doubles, two RBIs and three stolen bases in 19 Grapefruit League games. That's pitiful. You can't justify keeping a guy like that around when you have Eric Bruntlett, who's having a great spring offensively and is very solid defensively, and Greg Dobbs, who is adequate at third and one of baseball's best hitters.

The club also optioned outfielder John Mayberry Jr. and right-handed pitcher Carlos Carrasco, according to phillies.com, to minor league camp, making the battle for the fifth spot in the rotation officially down to two (J.A. Happ and Chan Ho Park). They also told RHP Mike Koplove, infielder Pablo Ozuna and outfielder Jason Ellison that they would not make the 25-man roster, but would make the trip to Philadelphia on Thursday night for the team's final exhibition games on Friday and Saturday against the Tampa Bay Rays at Citizens Bank Park, reported phillies.com.

If any position player gets a chance during the season, it should be Mayberry (as of now). He had an admirable spring, hitting .246 (12-for-69( with six doubles, two home runs, 13 RBIs and 12 walks). Having said that, things could change. He could struggle in Triple-A and someone else could get hot. But he did look good the last six weeks.

Recent Comments

My blog is an opinion and I guess we have a difference in opinion. I thought what he did this spring was a big improvement over years past and I think he has potential. That, to me, counts for something.

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Don't let the Potato man get to you Mandy.
Looks like Mayberry has some pop in the bat.
If he can hit like his dad, he would be a good guy to have on the bench.
Giles - now that is a wonderment. He was playing like an All Star with the Braves and suddenly he can't play anymore. Is there more to it? Lets wonder.
Kind of like Brett Boone in the early 2000's. He hits 40 or so HRs one year, gone the next. Maybe these guys need to go to the DR with ARoid's cousin to get that good stuff.